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Miracle man Chris Mears says support from his fans which helped him dive into the world’s top 10 is something he will keep with him forever.

Burghfield Common teenager Mears, 19, was the youngest diver in the 3m springboard event final on Tuesday but did not let that stop him from scoring the second best dive in the competition with a score of 100.70.

The former Garland Junior and Willink schools pupil ended up finishing ninth despite not even being expected to make it into the final which his mum Katy said was “a fantastic way to round off a fantastic Games”.

Mears’ success is even more astonishing after he suffered a ruptured spleen three years ago and then became so severely ill doctors only gave him a five per cent chance of survival.

The inspirational athlete showed true fighting spirit and made it to the final of his first Olympics in dramatic style.

He was out of the qualification until the late stages of Tuesday morning’s semi-final until he produced a personal best of 91.20 in his final dive and was through.

In the final he said his first few “could have been better” but then, on his last dive of the Olympics, again smashed his personal best with a score of 100.70 for his four-and-a-half somersault. He was the first diver in the finals to go over the 100 point mark.

Speaking to getreading on Wednesday from the Olympic Village, he said: “It was fantastic. I’ve not had much time to reflect – I think next week it will really hit me. To make a final was incredible.

“There were a few dives that could have been better but then, when I went for the front four-and-a-half, there was this massive roar from the crowd.

“I felt like I was at home and everyone was behind me.

“I will keep that with me forever. Thinking about that four-and-a-half, the last dive of my Olympics, it makes your hair stand on end.

“It was brilliant having my mum and dad there – I could always hear my mum screaming.

“I didn’t really think of the other divers in the competition – I just thought it felt fantastic to be competing with divers that I look up to. I always aspire to be as good as them – to be able to compete with them in the Olympics is amazing.”

After the contest he spent the evening in the village with his mum Katy, dad Paul and the rest of his family celebrating – although he admitted he was “dog tired” and did not stay out late.

Speaking from the family home in Burghfield Common the following day, Mrs Mears said: “I know he was disappointed with his early dives but to round it off with a 100 – he was delighted. It was incredible.

“It was a fantastic way to round off a fantastic games. He’s having the time of his life.

“We all knew he could mix it with the best, it’s just he’s never done it at this level before. The personal best to get to the final and then another personal best in the final.

“I think he used the crowd to his advantage and that shows real maturity. I think that was the most impressive thing.”

Mears started diving with Reading Albatross which is based at Central Swimming Pool, West Reading, but now trains in Southampton because the Battle Street pool does not have a 10m board for him to practise on.

Mrs Mears added: “Reading Albatross is a great club. In some ways it’s a real shame that he had to move on but that’s the way it is. It’s a great starting point though.”

Now her boy is looking to add more dives to his repertoire over the next four years before coming back even better for the next Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

Mrs Mears added: “He’s still young. Lots of springboard divers are in their late 20s because it’s a more technical sport than diving from a concrete platform so he will have more chances.”

Mears is staying at the Olympic Village until the closing ceremony on Sunday and says he is enjoying having the chance to watch some of the other events. He will then return home for a well-earned rest.

He said: “It will be good to get back home but it will be a harsh comedown after the Games.”

Sarah East, headteacher at Mears’ former school Garlands Junior School in Clayhill Road, Burghfield Common, said: “We’re over the moon. The staff have been watching and the pupils have too – it’s been all over Facebook. I anticipate inviting Chris back for an assembly in the new term.”